Kansas Propane Line Installation

Sketch a layout of the pipeline. Determine the length of the pipe running from the propane source to the appliance. Purchase the amount of pipe and fitting necessary to complete the project. Obtain a work permit before starting the project.

Install underground propane piping 12 to 18 inches under the surface. Dig the trench and fill the bottom with a layer of gravel. Compact the gravel with a hand tamper. Compaction prevents the earth from settling and compromising the integrity of the pipe installation.

Lay the pipe in the trench. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connecting pipes and fittings. Place tracer wire along the length of the pipe. Terminate the ends of the wire above the ground. Tracer wire serves to help identify the location of the pipe line in the future.

Install above-ground propane piping with support straps placed at intervals of 6 to 10 feet, depending on the size of the pipe. Kansas’s rules require exposed piping installed a minimum of 6 inches above the ground surface. Follow the local building codes for installing a gas shut-off in the line. Most municipalities require a gas shut-off installed within 36 to 48 inches of the appliance.

Make sure the fittings for copper pipe are labeled with yellow markings to identify as a LP line. Markings must include the manufacturer’s name, pipe size and other information as determined by the building codes.

Schedule an inspection with the building code department before covering, concealing or connecting the line to an appliance. The inspector determines if the material, size and installation method meets local building codes.

Refer to the local codes to find out the acceptable method for testing the propane line. For example, the Wichita, Kansas building codes require the installer to use certain gauges depending on the testing methodology. Connect the line to the appliance after receiving approval from the inspector.

Apply magnetic tracer tape over the propane line. Magnetic tape warns anyone digging in the location that a gas pipe line lies beneath the tape. Backfill the trench and reseed the area if necessary.